Charm'd by thy suffrage, shall I yet aspire <br />(All inauspicious as my fate appears, <br />By troubles darken'd, that encrease with years,) <br />To guide the crayon, or to touch the lyre? <br />Ah me!---the sister Muses still require <br />A spirit free from all intrusive fears, <br />Nor will they deign to wipe away the tears <br />Of vain regret, that dim their sacred fire. <br />But when thy envied sanction crowns my lays, <br />A ray of pleasure lights my languid mind, <br />For well I know the value of thy praise; <br />And to how few, the flattering meed confin'd, <br />That thou,---their highly favour'd brows to bind, <br />Wilt weave green myrtle, and unfading bays!<br /><br />Charlotte Smith<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-xxxiv-charm-d-by-thy-suffrage/
